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Give Me the Rhythm

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Miranda Hawley's Sonnet contest

My nephew, in 2019, sat on my daughter's couch, and played his guitar as he sang "Hallelujah," a folk-rock song with its homophonic texture in the chorus. In the short video, I spot his sister, with her cool hat, and my granddaughter, both listening to his singing and playing guitar at Christmas. He suffered much, with mental illness, but at this point in time was keeping busy, running vigorous races and spending time at church. Covid hit, and many reeled from its effects, not of the illness, but the isolation. Both my nephew and a good family friend committed suicide. 

With anguished hands, (they lie) his hands in play. I saw him as a mad, creative type. In pick of months, his guitar coughs dismay. The covid creep, his voice would steal, and snipe. Not in illness, but in rhythm of life’s bore. For now, his hallelujah brings us joy. Simplicity and quiet speak; we soar. In sober strum, the guitar guards the boy. Give me sweet rhythm’s release - I view the score. My granddaughter looks on - repast she eats. He’s saved - a reflection of strings on floor. From then, until his death, how many beats? Silent, as flurries land on sad rhythm’s glow. On Christmas bed, I blink back tears of snow.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2025




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Date: 6/15/2025 4:33:00 PM
What a creative winner you have in this one. Way to go. Congratulations on your name being on the winners' list. So sad and really hard on a family when a person commits suicide. I hope that you and other family members are slowly but surely healing from this shock. Sara K
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Date: 6/4/2025 12:55:00 PM
What a powerful and sad write you have here. I am so very sorry for your loss. Have a very blessed day writing away.........
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 6/4/2025 2:58:00 PM
Indeed! Thank you, Paula!
Date: 6/4/2025 10:22:00 AM
Amazing writing, Kim. Much feeling "living" in this tragedy. I am sorry for your loss. God keep you, poetess.
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 6/4/2025 10:41:00 AM
Thank you! Sad to have to remember this loss…even in my prayers as I pray for his two sisters and brother…his absence felt. I last saw my nephew at my mom’s funeral. I often wonder if that likewise pushed him over the edge.
Date: 6/4/2025 8:59:00 AM
Great, feeling writing! Heartbreaking. Covid affected the world in many, often unseen ways--more and more far reaching affects of the virus become tragically transparent. Fauci needs to be prosecuted. My heart goes out to your family. This need not have happened. Important writing. A FAV!
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Kim Rodrigues
Date: 6/4/2025 9:21:00 AM
No one can know for sure, but it surely did not help. Thank you, Joe!

Book: Radiant Verses: A Journey Through Inspiring Poetry